Hankook Dynapro ATM

Expert testers say the Hankook Dynapro ATM is very capable both on- and off-road, but this all-terrain tire doesn't beat the top-rated Cooper Discoverer A/T3 (*Est. $200) , and the Cooper costs a lot less.

Both tires deliver nearly identical performance in tests on pavement, biting into snow and clinging to wet and dry road surfaces. Both the Hankook and Cooper tires show long tread life in tests, and both carry robust tread-wear warranties to boot (50,000 miles for the Hankook and 55,000 for the Cooper).

The Hankook Dynapro ATM grips slightly better on ice, but the Cooper proves a little quieter and more comfortable in one test. Off-road enthusiasts, however, say they find the Hankook plenty quiet and comfortable on pavement. Dirt trails, rocks and sand pose no problem for the Hankook, either, although we didn't find any tests of this tire in deep mud, where the Cooper shines. Neither the Hankook nor the Cooper is designed as a mud tire. Reviews say the Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar (*Est. $210) is a better choice if mud-bogging is on the agenda for you and your 4x4.

ConsumerReports.org includes the Hankook Dynapro ATM in its expert comparison test of tires for SUVs and light trucks, but editors test it only on-road. Two off-road enthusiast magazines -- Petersen's 4 Wheel & Off-Road and Four Wheeler -- test the Dynapro ATM on dirt, mud, rocks and sand as well as pavement. SaferCar.gov lists the tire's government traction, heat-resistance and tread-wear ratings.